The time has come! Screenland Armour and Downright Creepy present Panic Fest 2026, running April 9–13, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri, with a virtual version running April 9–19. With nearly 150 features, long form shorts, and short films on tap, plenty of droolworthy shock cinema awaits. I have had an early look at the following shorts and can recommend that fear-fare devotees add them to their must-see lists.
Following are the official Panic Fest descriptions for the shorts. Click the links for more information, including tickets.
Lady Puritan (directors Justin Streichman and Gustine Füdickar)
As dream life bleeds into waking reality, a woman haunted by her Puritan ancestor must confront the terror buried deep within her bloodline. Link below includes a trailer.
https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e0526
My Severed Arm (director Casey de Fremery)
A woman tries to escape a serial killer using DIY videos, but the internet won’t stop trying to sell her things first.
https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e053e
Cockroach (directors Paolo Mancini and Daniel Watchorn)
Beth and Sergio are ecstatic to begin their journey as new parents. However, caring for a baby with its many sleepless nights proves to be a challenge to their relationship and sanity. Not to mention a cockroach infestation within their walls. They struggle with the tribulations of parenthood and postpartum as the roaches infest their home, their lives and eventually much, much more . . .
You can check out the official trailer at https://vimeo.com/1180842420?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e04da
Obey! (director Jordan Wippell)
After the tragic death of her viral dog, Max, a pet influencer is confronted by a vengeful spirit demanding an apology for a life of exploitation.
https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e0546
Halfway Haunted (director Sam Rudykoff)
A tenant in a haunted house reluctantly teams up with a ghost to stop a real estate developer from demolishing the home they share.
https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e0506
For full details about all the fine fare at Panic Fest, visit https://panicfilmfest.com/
article by Joseph Perry